We’re excited to be developing a new programme launching early next year, focused on helping young people explore how to use technology well, stay safe online, and build healthier digital habits. The sessions are designed not to lecture or restrict, but to open up honest conversations about how young people engage with phones, gaming, apps, social media, and screens in everyday life. From escape rooms to journaling, creative media to outdoor sessions, the programme balances fun, reflection, and practical tools. Across six sessions, young people will: Reflect on their screen time and online behaviours Learn digital safety and wellbeing strategies Explore creative expression through digital tools Reconnect offline through outdoor "digital detox" experiences Train as Digital Ambassadors to share what they’ve learned with others Open up intergenerational dialogue in a final young person–parent session This work responds directly to what we’re hearing from young people, parents, and schools and the need for space to talk, learn, and take ownership over their digital lives, rather than being told what not to do.  More details will be shared soon, but we’re proud to be co-creating this programme with our youth team and partners and building digital confidence, not just digital literacy.

As we continue to grow and respond to the increasing needs of young people in our community, we’re looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees and expand our network of Charity Patrons. If you’re passionate about youth work, community collaboration, and making a real difference - we’d love to hear from you. We’re especially keen to connect with individuals who bring: Experience in governance, education, health, youth services, or fundraising A willingness to use your skills and voice to help us grow and reach more young people An understanding of the challenges facing young people and a commitment to community-led solutions Help guide and champion our work This is a brilliant opportunity to help shape the future of a trusted youth charity that’s been serving the community for over 18 years and ensure young people continue to have the support, voice, and opportunities they deserve. To find out more or arrange an informal conversation, please get in touch at karen@electricstormyouth.co.uk

Fun, Learning, and Time Out!

This summer has been one of the busiest and most rewarding we’ve had at Electric Storm Youth. As CEO, I’ve had the privilege of watching our team, volunteers, and young people come together through an incredible mix of activities, workshops, and community events.  What Stood Out When I look back over the past six weeks, what stands out isn’t just the numbers, the sessions delivered, or the young people attending, but the atmosphere. Young people building new friendships and trying new things, parents telling how amazed at the range of activities and how they felt supported, and our team working flat out to make sure every activity ran smoothly. Running a holiday programme isn’t easy, it takes planning, coordination, and a lot of energy. But what I’ve seen this summer is the real difference it makes: fewer young people isolated at home, more of them engaged in positive activities, and families knowing their children are safe, supported, and learning. Why It Matters This reflects something bigger than just a “summer schedule.” It shows why youth services matter. At a time when many families are stretched and statutory services have been cut back, spaces like ours are not a luxury, they’re essential. We’re not just filling time; we’re giving young people a sense of belonging, resilience, and skills that carry forward into school and life. This summer, we delivered a range of activities from; Beach days (yes, I even braved shorts and a football match – no Premier League scouts came calling!) The Hunt with maps, clues, and plenty of teamwork Days out on the train to explore somewhere new Our own take on Bake Off And our annual Skate Jam, which brought over 100 people together But here’s the thing: it was never just about the activities. Youth work is about what happens in between the friendships made, the confidence built, the young people who told us we’d helped get them out of their bedrooms, off their phones, and into something new. That’s the real impact. And this is happening against a backdrop where local youth services have been cut by over 70% nationally . That makes what we do not just valuable, but essential. And it’s not only programmes that make this possible. This summer, our charity shop recorded a record-breaking sale day – every pound raised going straight back into our youth work delivery. It’s an important reminder that every donation, every purchase, and every bit of support supports the work we do with young people. Moving Forward None of this happens without support. Funding and partnerships are what allow us to keep showing up, week after week, summer after summer. I’m so thankful for the backing we’ve had – because it means we can keep delivering the kind of youth work that genuinely changes lives. As we head into the new term, I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved, but I’m also reminded how vital ongoing support is. Whether it comes through donations, fundraising, partnerships, or even shopping with us, it all makes a difference. To every parent, partner organisation, supporter, and young person who has been part of this summer – thank you! Karen Jefford, CEO Electric Storm Youth

Today marks a huge milestone in our story: 18 incredible years of supporting young people across Sompting, Lancing, and the surrounding areas.

On the 25th June our CEO Karen Jefford CMgr FCMI and Youth Worker Jonathan Woodbridge attended an important event at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy (SRWA), delivered by Dr. Felicity Williams, a clinical psychologist who shared powerful insights into the impact of digital technology on young people's mental health and development. With SRWA leading the way as the first school in West Sussex to totally ban mobile phones during the school day from this September, we’re proud to stand alongside them in championing the wellbeing of young people in our community. This bold step reflects a growing awareness that we must protect and nurture young minds, not only academically but emotionally and psychologically. At Electric Storm Youth, we’ve recently recruited a dedicated Youth Worker to focus specifically on digital wellbeing, supporting young people in understanding and navigating their relationship with technology, social media, and screen time in a safe, healthy, and positive way. A Complex Picture We live in a time of rapid technological change. Today, content and influence are available 24/7; there's no longer a “watershed” to protect young eyes and minds. For children and teens, whose brains are still developing (particularly between the ages of 10 and 27), this always-on digital culture can have a huge impact. Dr. Williams highlighted how smartphones and social media have become key drivers of behaviour change and mental health challenges. While social media can foster connection and creativity, it can also expose young people to unrealistic expectations, online bullying, and a growing pressure to be "always available." Passive digital activity spending five or more hours a day on screens unrelated to learning is often replacing vital activities like outdoor play, social interaction, and restful sleep. We also heard how the teenage brain is wired to seek excitement but increasingly, the “thrill” comes from games or social media, not real-world exploration and risk-taking. Free play, challenge, and physical interaction are essential for developing emotional resilience and cognitive growth. Our Commitment As a youth charity, we are not here to criticise or control young people’s digital lives, we are here to empower them. Our goal is to help young people develop a healthier relationship with technology, one that prioritises long-term wellbeing, emotional strength, and real-world connection. We’re putting strategies and support in place, including: · Workshops and group sessions on the impact of social media, screen time, and cyberbullying. · 1-to-1 support for young people experiencing anxiety or stress linked to digital use. · Collaborative initiatives with schools, parents, and professionals to create safer digital environments. · Opportunities for free play, creativity, and real adventures that bring joy, growth, and self-confidence. The move by SRWA to ban phones during the school day is a vital piece of the puzzle, and we’re proud to support this step towards creating more mindful, focused, and mentally healthy school communities. Together, we can help young people balance the digital and the real so that technology becomes a tool for thriving, not surviving

This is the start of an exciting new community partnership for us

Wave Goodbye, Say Hello: We Announce New Leadership!

We are delighted to have been awarded a grant of £2804 from the Kim Addison Fund via Sussex Community Foundation, to support the vital work it undertakes with young carers.